Variation in forage quality and chemical composition among Italian accessions of Bituminaria bituminosa (L.) Stirt.

Abstract

Native Bituminaria bituminosa (L.) Stirt. accessions from central and southern Italy were evaluated for chemical composition to assess their nutritional value as forages. The germplasm was evaluated subjectively ex situ for intensity of 'oil' smell and analysed for fibre fraction, crude protein and water-soluble carbohydrate contents as well as furanocoumarin (psoralen and angelicin) concentration. Total phenolics and their antioxidant activity were also evaluated. The quality parameters indicated this species as a good forage source, showing nutritive values similar to those of other wild legume species. Psoralen and angelicin contents ranged from 2.8 to 5.4 and from 2.3 to 4.7 mg g −1 dry weight respectively, while total phenolic concentrations were between 11.2 and 13.5 mg g −1 dry weight. Correlations among forage quality parameters, chemical components and climatic features at sites of origin were also assessed.

Proximate composition, mineral content, and antioxidant properties of 14 Mexican weeds used as fodder

“…The phenolic content of the weed extracts is high, compared with those of several Mediterranean forage species (11–12 mg g −1 ) (Pecetti et al . 2007).…”

HPLC-ESI-MSn characterization of phenolic compounds, terpenoid saponins, and other minor compounds in Bituminaria bituminosa

“…For instance, it is traditionally used for feeding goats in the Canary Islands (Spain) (Sternberg et al, 2006). B. bituminosa tolerates drought conditions, and is known for its heavy metal-phytostabilization capacity in contaminated or degraded soils Martínez-Fernández et al, 2011;Pecetti et al, 2007). Thus, the presence of toxic compounds in this plant can limit its use and has to be taken into account.…”

Cold tolerance, water relations and accumulation of osmolytes in Bituminaria bituminosa

“…Psoralea bituminosa L.) (Fabaceae) is used in Mediterranean environments and the Canary Islands to provide hay or forage for livestock (Sternberg et al 2006). It also synthesises the furanocoumarins angelicin and psoralen, used in sun-tan products and for photochemotherapy of vitiligo and psoriasis (Pecetti et al 2007), and certain pterocarpans of pharmaceutical interest (Maurich et al 2006). Although its N 2 -fixation and drought tolerance make it suitable for low-input, sustainable production systems, its growth and distribution are limited by subzero winter temperatures.…”